Somalia inaugurates president

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MOGADISHU, Somalia, Sept. 17 (UPI) -- The inauguration of the new Somalia president symbolizes the launch of a new era for the war-torn country, the U.N. envoy said from Mogadishu.

Augustine Mahiga, U.N. envoy to Somalia, hailed the weekend inauguration of Somali President Hassan Sheik Mohamud. The envoy described the appointment as a "great day" that marked a "new era" for a country that's lacked a functioning central government for more than 20 years.

Somalia leaders last month appointed some members of Parliament and drafted a constitution in a move that ended a political transition period.

Mahiga pledged to support the ongoing political process in Somalia as the country moves to rebuild a country ravaged by years of war. Al-Qaida affiliate al-Shabaab controls parts of the country.

Last week, three suicide bombers dressed in Somali forces' uniforms attacked the Jazeera Hotel in Mogadishu, which serves as the temporary home to the Somali president. He was meeting with Kenyan Foreign Minister Samuel Ongeri at the time of the attack. Neither leader was injured.